How to Pronounce “normative”

American (US)

/ˈnoɹmətɪv/

British (UK)

/ˈnɔːmətɪv/

Australian (AU)

/ˈnoːmətɪv/

adjective — Of or pertaining to a norm or standard.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈnoɹmətɪv/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “normative” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “normative” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnoɹmətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈnoɹmətɪv/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "normative" mean?

normative (adjective): Of or pertaining to a norm or standard.

How do you pronounce "normative" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈnoɹmətɪv/. British English: /ˈnɔːmətɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "normative"?

/ˈnoɹmətɪv/ in American English, /ˈnɔːmətɪv/ in British English, /ˈnoːmətɪv/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "normative"?

“normative” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnoɹmətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.